HAYES TOWNSHIP – Newly elected Hayes Township Supervisor William Conklin has filed an amended lawsuit against the township board, intensifying ongoing disputes over governance.
The amended complaint now contains allegations of violation of the Open Meetings Act, further calling into question the legality of the actions taken during the Nov. 11 board meeting, just days before Conklin took office.
Conklin’s original lawsuit, filed Nov. 19, seeks to overturn a resolution passed at the last meeting of the board headed by outgoing supervisor Ron Van Zee. The resolution reappointed six members of the planning commission, adjusted their terms — including three that expire in 2025 — and added a new member. Conklin claims the resolution undermined the authority of his new administration and was implemented without sufficient public notice or public discussion, violating Michigan’s transparency laws.
Newly elected Hayes Township Supervisor William Conklin has filed an amended lawsuit against the township.
“This isn’t just about one decision,” Conklin said. “What matters is whether our government follows the law and involves the community in decisions that affect them.”
The amended lawsuit also seeks attorney fees for the alleged violation of the Open Meetings Act.
Conklin said his actions are aimed at promoting accountability.
“If we don’t address these issues now, we will set a precedent for bad governance in the future,” he said.
Under Michigan law, township supervisors have the authority to appoint planning commission members, subject to council approval. Conklin states that this power has been preventively limited by the board led by Van Zee.
Van Zee will continue to work as the municipality’s zoning plan manager.
Conklin defeated Van Zee in the August primary and November general elections, where Van Zee ran as a candidate.
More: Hayes Township supervisor’s lawsuit sparks new unrest over zoning policy
At a special meeting on November 25 to discuss the lawsuit, the trustees voted unanimously to defend the resolution in court. Public commentary at that meeting ranged from support for Conklin’s leadership to concerns about the financial burden of lawsuits. Conklin withdrew from the meeting.
“I understand people are frustrated, but the decisions we make now will determine the future of Hayes Township,” Conklin said. “This isn’t about personal politics, it’s about doing what’s right for the community.”
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of disputes in Hayes Township over zoning policies and transparency, including past controversies surrounding shoreline projects and gravel pits.
The board has hired an attorney to represent the city and is awaiting a decision from the insurance company on whether their legal costs will be covered. Hayes Township Treasurer Julie Collard confirmed that the township’s attorney now has until Jan. 10 to file a response to the amended complaint, but declined to comment further on the lawsuit.
Van Zee also declined to comment on the pending lawsuit, but noted, “I find it interesting that his first course of action was to sue every resident of the township.”
— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com.
This article originally appeared in The Petoskey News-Review: Newly elected Supervisor William Conklin changes lawsuit against Hayes Township
